Bali is a beautiful tropical location. With stunning sunsets, warm nights and friendly locals, it is visited by people from all over the world and particularly loved by Australians. It’s important to remember however that it is still a developing country and despite being on our doorstep can pose risks from diseases not found at home.
The following information provides some broad and general guidelines about health risks and recommendations for travel to Bali. This should not be taken as a substitute for a personal consultation with one of our travel health doctors, whose advice will be specific for you and your trip and may include some things not mentioned here.
Six to eight weeks out from departure is a good time to have a travel health consultation. You may need blood tests to check immunity to diseases or need a course of vaccines like rabies for example, and this gives you plenty of time to get everything completed. If you are travelling sooner however it's not too late for an appointment, simply make one as soon as you can.
Mosquito borne diseases found in Bali include dengue fever, chikungunya and zika virus. Whilst there are vaccines for Japanese encephalitis, mosquito avoidance is the only way to prevent many of these diseases.
Travellers diarrhoea, giardia and dysentery are just some of the illnesses caused by contaminated food and water.
To reduce your risk of Bali Belly observe strict food and water safety precautions.
Anyone heading overseas should be up to date for routine childhood immunisations and may need adult boosters for such diseases as tetanus, measles, polio and hepatitis B. Additional vaccines may also be recommended depending on your individual medical history, current itinerary and the likelihood of future travel.
Hepatitis A vaccination is commonly recommended for trips to Bali.
Read MoreA food and water borne disease, typhoid is recommended for some itineraries.
Previously not found there, rabies has been a problem in Bali in recent years, responsible for the deaths of a number of locals. Whilst rabies vaccines may not be recommended for many people, understanding what do to do if bitten or scratched is vital.
Read MoreIt's important to understand how to avoid this rare but potentially catastrophic mosquito borne disease. There have been cases in Bali. For those at significant risk there are a couple of vaccine options.
Read MoreAn oral vaccine available for the prevention of cholera which also reduces the risk of travellers diarrhoea, is often taken by those wishing to significantly reduce their risk of gastro.
Read MoreThere are a few things you can do to reduce the risk of gastro spoiling your trip, including taking a water filtration drink bottle and one of our customisable medication kits with guidelines for self-treatment.
Read MoreIncreasing in incidence in many parts of the world, dengue is a serious mosquito borne disease.
Read MoreNot just a disease of South America, those travelling to Bali and other Asian destinations may be at risk of Zika virus.
Read MoreSpread through mosquito bites, this viral illness can present similar to Ross River virus. Is usually less severe than dengue but may cause long term aches and pains.
Examples include motorbike accidents on poorly lit or badly maintained roads (wear a helmet), surfing injuries, near drowning, fights and assaults, twisted/broken ankles from potholes in footpaths, and exhaust pipe burns. Alcohol may be tainted or spiked. Be sensible. Make sure you and your friends look after each other and pack a first aid kit. Tattoos carry the risk of HIV, hepatitis B and C. Drugs carry the risk of jail time or worse.
Do not put yourself at risk. Bali sex workers may present themselves as regular locals. Always use condoms, preferably bought in Australia. Have a check up on return if appropriate.
See the Australian government’s website: smartraveller.gov.au
Never leave Australia without travel insurance.
As there is no non-essential overseas travel at this time this article will simply remain as an information resource for COVID-19. See our main COVID-19 page for more detailed information. We hope to be able to inform our travelers once again after this crisis passes. The links below remain trustworthy
Over 48,000 cases of dengue fever have been reported in Sri Lanka since 1st October 2019, a significant increase in incidence. Travellers should observe strict mosquito avoidance measures, particularly during daylight hours.
As a result of recent outbreaks of measles in various countries, the Solomon Islands' will be requiring arriving travellers from/via American Samoa, Australia, Fiji, New Zealand, Philippines, Samoa, or Tonga to show proof of measles vaccination, effective December 28th 2019. Vaccination needs to have been at least 15 days prior and
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